What is Pharm-D? How is it different than D-Pharm? There are a lot of questions in a mind of a new pharmacy graduate student about this new concept in India called "Pharm-D". Pharm D is short form of ''Doctor of Pharmacy.'' As a candidate it is hard to decide which path to select after their pharmacy graduation. On the other hand D-Pharma refers to Diploma in pharmacy, completely extremes in the expertise, isn't it?

I would like to answer some questions that are asked frequently about Pharm-D program in this article. I would like to start with the little literature and a fact that the first batch for Pharm-D that took admission in this course was in 2008. It is the professional pharmacy doctoral program.

Lets dive right in.

The academic study includes the same subjects such as B. Pharm, in addition the pharmacy practice components are emphasized such as Hospital Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Pharmaco therapeutics, Clinical Pharmacy, Biostatistics and Research Methodology, Clinical Toxicology, Clinical Research, Pharmaco epidemiology, Pharmaco economics, Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmaco therapeutic Drug Monitoring. Further to add, in the last year of the course the candidate has to perform a project work for six months.

The Pharm-D degree requires five years of classroom and hospital based didactic study (two years didactic post-baccalaureate course), followed by one year of internship training in addition to ongoing practicals and research project. A unique feature that attracts student is that Pharm D includes eligibility to register for Ph.D., prefix ‘Dr.’ to the name and a registered qualification after completion of course.

After the completion of the program, Pharm-D pharmacist can work in the multiple environments like hospitals and retail pharmacies and, clinical research organizations. They can also choose to provide medication counseling to the patients. Pharm-D is a fairly new concept in India and has mostly patient-centered curriculum. It is being seen as a major turnaround for pharmaceutical industry.

Roles and responsibilities of a qualified Pharm-D pharmacist

Drug Distribution and Dispensing Role: - Pharmacists assess legitimacy of prescriptions, eligibility for coverage, appropriateness and safety of the medication for the patient.

Clinical Program Development Role: - Use evidence-based clinical and research data to create disease management programs. Evaluate scientific evidence in order to select appropriate drugs for a patient population through a Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Design and conduct outcomes based research in order to help patients achieve the desired results from their drug therapy.

Communication with Patients, Prescribers and Pharmacists Role: - Helps prescribers choose drugs that will meet patient needs and qualify for coverage. Provide and educate patients about their individual prescription history. Provide a dispensing pharmacist with a patient’s drug profile in order to identify potential adverse drug reactions or duplicate therapies.

Drug Benefit Design Role: - Determining if a formulary should be used, and whether it should be “restricted” or “open”; and the use of patient cost-sharing structure for generic, covered brand-name drugs and non-formulary drugs. To determine if a “participating” pharmacy network should be established and what the criteria for QA would be. To determine criteria and procedures for drug utilization.